Preventing Workplace Violence

Did you know that every year, approximately two million people in the United States are victims of non-fatal violence at the workplace? Preventing Workplace Violence is a pervasive problem that can have devastating consequences for employees, employers, and society. In this blog post, we’ll explain why having a robust, comprehensive workplace violence prevention program is essential for creating a safe and productive work environment.

What is a Comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Program?

A comprehensive workplace violence prevention program is a set of policies, procedures, and practices designed to eliminate or minimize the risk of violence in the workplace. Workplace violence includes any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. It can range from verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide.

Workplace violence can affect anyone, regardless of occupation, industry, or location. However, some workers are more vulnerable than others, such as those who work with the public, handle money, deliver services, or work in high-stress or isolated settings.

Why is a Workplace Violence Prevention Program Beneficial?

• Reducing the incidence and severity of violent incidents: Implementing preventive measures can stop violence before it starts.
• Enhancing the safety and well-being of workers: Creating a safer work environment improves overall employee morale and productivity.
• Avoiding costs and liabilities associated with workplace violence: Reducing the risk of incidents can lower the costs related to absenteeism, turnover, lawsuits, and compensation claims.
• Complying with legal and ethical obligations: Employers are required to provide a safe work environment under OSHA regulations.

Workplace violence can have serious negative impacts on the physical and mental health of workers, including injuries, disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also affect the performance and reputation of the organization, resulting in increased absenteeism, turnover, lawsuits, compensation claims, insurance premiums, and damage to property and equipment.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace violence is one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities in the United States. In recent years, there have been numerous reported cases of workplace violence, emphasizing the need for robust prevention programs. The economic cost of workplace violence is estimated to be over $120 billion per year.

Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure the safety and health of their workers. OSHA requires employers to provide a workplace that is “free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm” to employees. This includes preventing and addressing workplace violence. Employers who fail to do so may face citations, penalties, lawsuits, and criminal charges.

What are the Components of a Comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Program?

A workplace violence prevention program should include the following components:

• Written Policy to Eliminate or Minimize Risk: A clear and comprehensive policy that defines workplace violence, states the employer’s commitment and expectations, outlines the roles and responsibilities of workers and supervisors, and specifies the consequences of violating the policy.
• Regular Risk Assessments: A systematic process of identifying and evaluating potential sources and factors of workplace violence, such as the nature of the work environment, the organizational culture, and external influences.
• Prevention Procedures: Measures and controls to reduce or eliminate the risk of workplace violence, such as improving physical security, modifying work practices, enhancing communication and cooperation, and providing resources and support.
• Worker and Supervisor Training: A mandatory and ongoing education and awareness program covering topics such as policy and procedures, risk factors and warning signs, prevention and intervention strategies, reporting and documentation requirements, and available assistance and resources.
• Procedures for Reporting and Investigating Incidents: A confidential and consistent system for reporting, recording, and investigating any incidents or complaints of workplace violence, with appropriate feedback and follow-up actions.
• Incident Follow-Up: A timely and compassionate response to the victims, witnesses, and perpetrators of workplace violence, including offering medical and psychological care, facilitating the return to work, implementing corrective and disciplinary actions, and evaluating the program’s effectiveness.

Conclusion

Preventing Workplace violence is a significant issue that affects millions of workers every year. Having a robust, comprehensive workplace violence prevention program is not only a legal and ethical duty but also a smart and effective way to protect your employees and your organization. Act today and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention program that suits your needs and goals. Remember, prevention is better than cure.

About the Author

Joseph Paul Manley is the Founder and Principal of Risk Mitigation Technologies, LLC, an Independent Security Management Consulting and Training firm focusing on Workplace Violence Prevention, Education, and Mitigation. Paul is the author of the book “How to Stay Calm and Aware in Any Situation: A Practical Guide to Situational Awareness and De-escalation Strategies.“ Paul is a retired Massachusetts Police Lieutenant, Adjunct Lecturer, Board-Certified Workplace Violence and Threat Specialist (WVTS), Certified Crisis Intervention Specialist (CCIS), Security Expert, and Trainer.